Neighbors gathered near police tape as NOPD homicide detectives investigated the murder scene. One nearby resident said shootings in that area were rare.

Another neighbor, Thermon Taylor, 74, said he has lived on Piedmont Drive for more than 20 years and this is the first murder in the neighborhood since he has lived there. He said he heard at least three shots earlier Thursday night. "I heard a pop-pop-pop," he said. "I thought it was fireworks. I didn't think it was gunshots."

"This is a complete shock to the whole block," he said. "Nothing like this happens here."